Energyhttp://weku.fm
enUSDA Funding 23 Kentucky Energy Projects with $264,000http://weku.fm/post/usda-funding-23-kentucky-energy-projects-264000
<p><font color="red" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, Geneva; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">Kentucky</font><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, Geneva; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;">&nbsp;is receiving more than $264,000 from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to fund 23 applications for improvements in energy efficiency.</span></p><p>Wed, 17 Jun 2015 20:39:33 +0000Associated Press76634 at http://weku.fmUSDA Funding 23 Kentucky Energy Projects with $264,000Is Fracking Coming To The Cumberlands?http://weku.fm/post/fracking-coming-cumberlands
<p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1em; font-family: droid-serif, Georgia, serif; font-size: 1.13em; line-height: 1.7em; color: rgb(49, 46, 45);">&nbsp;</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1em; font-family: droid-serif, Georgia, serif; font-size: 1.13em; line-height: 1.7em; color: rgb(49, 46, 45);">&nbsp;</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1em; font-family: droid-serif, Georgia, serif; font-size: 1.13em; line-height: 1.7em; color: rgb(49, 46, 45);">Speculation has begun in Eastern Kentucky about a potentially large reserve of oil and natural gas trapped about two miles underground. If the Rogersville Shale is proven productive, it would be the region’s first major oil and gas play. This has excited the industry, but some residents are worried about the toll large-scale oil and gas production would take on human health and the environment.</p><p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin-bottom: 1em; font-family: droid-serif, Georgia, serif; font-size: 1.13em; line-height: 1.7em; color: rgb(49, 46, 45);">Wed, 07 Jan 2015 18:14:51 +0000Erica Peterson69689 at http://weku.fmIs Fracking Coming To The Cumberlands?Public Forum Aims to Answer Questions on Pipeline Proposalhttp://weku.fm/post/public-forum-aims-answer-questions-pipeline-proposal
<p></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5;">In light of recent events surrounding the proposed Bluegrass Pipeline, an&nbsp;official&nbsp;in one central Kentucky county&nbsp;is hoping&nbsp;a&nbsp;community&nbsp;meeting on pipeline use&nbsp;will be&nbsp;informative and not confrontational.&nbsp;&nbsp;Kinder Morgan Energy Partners and MarkWest are proposing to convert a pipeline&nbsp;that&nbsp;runs through Boyle County,&nbsp;from carrying oil and natural gas to natural gas liquids.&nbsp;&nbsp;It's part of a 1000-mile conversion project being considered by federal regulators.&nbsp;</span></p><p></p>Tue, 30 Dec 2014 22:16:43 +0000Stu Johnson WEKU News69378 at http://weku.fmPublic Forum Aims to Answer Questions on Pipeline ProposalKentucky Awarded Millions from National Science Foundationhttp://weku.fm/post/kentucky-awarded-millions-national-science-foundation
<p></p><p></p><p>A statewide effort to further the economy through funding energy research and attracting more students into STEM fields is getting a major financial boost.</p><p></p><p>Kentucky is one of six jurisdictions chosen to receive a five year research award from the National Science Foundation.</p><p></p><p></p>Wed, 27 Aug 2014 20:15:43 +0000Stu Johnson WEKU News64401 at http://weku.fmKentucky Awarded Millions from National Science FoundationKentucky’s First Carbon Capture System Unveiledhttp://weku.fm/post/kentucky-s-first-carbon-capture-system-unveiled
<p style="margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; line-height: 22px;">Kentucky has long been known for coal. But a new project unveiled Monday has the potential to let the commonwealth also be known for coal technology.</p><p>Mon, 21 Jul 2014 18:20:25 +0000Erica Peterson62729 at http://weku.fmKentucky’s First Carbon Capture System UnveiledReaction to New EPA Standards from the Coalfields to the Environmental Communityhttp://weku.fm/post/reaction-new-epa-standards-coalfields-environmental-community
<p></p>Tue, 03 Jun 2014 01:57:52 +0000Stu Johnson WEKU News60493 at http://weku.fmReaction to New EPA Standards from the Coalfields to the Environmental CommunityBill Seeks More Review for Windmill Proposalshttp://weku.fm/post/bill-seeks-more-review-windmill-proposals
<p></p><p><span style="font-family: 'Arial Black', sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5;">A bill approved Thursday provides for more regulatory review for anyone seeking to start generating power by windmill. &nbsp;</span></p><p>Thu, 13 Feb 2014 22:45:19 +0000Stu Johnson WEKU News55600 at http://weku.fmBill Seeks More Review for Windmill ProposalsKU Seeking Approval for Solar Planthttp://weku.fm/post/ku-seeking-approval-solar-plant
<div style="font-family: Calibri, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"><span style="font-family: 'Arial Black', sans-serif;">Kentucky Utilities is asking for state approval to build a 36 million dollar solar power plant in central Kentucky.&nbsp; If K-U’S request is granted by the State Public Service Commission, the facility would be built adjacent to the coal-fired complex already in place at the Burgin plant.&nbsp;&nbsp;</span>Fri, 31 Jan 2014 11:30:00 +0000Stu Johnson55000 at http://weku.fmKU Seeking Approval for Solar PlantKeeping Power Plants in Line with Federal Emission Regshttp://weku.fm/post/keeping-power-plants-line-federal-emission-regs
<p></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5;">Kentucky lawmakers have been briefed on ongoing technological developments to make the state's coal-fired power-plants more in line with new federal emissions standards.&nbsp; But , the effort may be more about keeping coal a viable source of energy for the state than it is about fixing the environment.</span></p><p>Sat, 16 Nov 2013 23:30:26 +0000Jonathon Meador KPR News52000 at http://weku.fmKeeping Power Plants in Line with Federal Emission RegsMore Waste Liquids From Drilling May Be Kentucky Boundhttp://weku.fm/post/more-waste-liquids-drilling-may-be-kentucky-bound
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, Geneva; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">The US Coast Guard is seeking public comments on a proposal that would allow barges to transport shale gas wastewater. The wastewater is a byproduct of the drilling process, and it can include both man-made chemicals and naturally occurring heavy metals and radiation. The wastewater is currently stored at drilling sites or transported by truck or train to treatment plants and deep underground wells.</p><p>Tue, 05 Nov 2013 20:45:41 +0000Associated Press51531 at http://weku.fmMore Waste Liquids From Drilling May Be Kentucky BoundNatural Gas Prices Going Up in Novemberhttp://weku.fm/post/natural-gas-prices-going-november
<p></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5;">As the days begin to get colder,&nbsp;Kentucky will see higher natural gas prices.&nbsp; On average, customers who use about ten thousand cubic feet of natural gas, can expect to pay about 19 percent more than last November.&nbsp; Still, State Public Service Commission Spokesman Andrew </span>Melnykovych<span style="line-height: 1.5;"> says it’s far less than a few years ago.</span></p><p>Thu, 31 Oct 2013 20:13:47 +0000Stu Johnson WEKU News51516 at http://weku.fmNatural Gas Prices Going Up in NovemberLexingtonians Saving Energyhttp://weku.fm/post/lexingtonians-saving-energy
<p></p><p></p><p><strong style="line-height: 1.5;">Even as its population grows, energy consumption in Lexington is on the decline.&nbsp; The group `Empower Lexington&rsquo;&nbsp;is working for a one percent drop each year in energy consumption.&nbsp; Amy Sohner, who directs Bluegrass Greensource, says so far, it&rsquo;s been relatively easy.</strong></p><p>Thu, 10 Oct 2013 21:41:23 +0000Stu Johnson WEKU News51254 at http://weku.fmLexingtonians Saving EnergyGetting the Lights on Soonerhttp://weku.fm/post/getting-lights-sooner
<p>Kentucky’s largest electric utility is investing millions in technology to help speed up power restoration in the event of an electrical outage.&nbsp; The new technology comes in the form of computers and mobile capabilities being installed in L-G and E and Kentucky Utilities field trucks.Mon, 16 Sep 2013 11:13:15 +0000Stu Johnson WEKU News50088 at http://weku.fmGetting the Lights on SoonerKentucky's Coal Jobs Hit Lowest Point Since 1927http://weku.fm/post/kentuckys-coal-jobs-hit-lowest-point-1927
<p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">Coal production in both of Kentucky’s coalfields has dropped slightly and employment is at a record low, according to&nbsp;</span><a href="http://energy.ky.gov/Coal%20Facts%20Library/Kentucky%20Quarterly%20Coal%20Report%20%28Q2-2013%29.pdf" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(12, 76, 162); font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; line-height: 22px;" target="_blank">the most recent quarterly report from the state’s Energy and Environment Cabinet</a><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">. The commonwealth produced nearly 20.5 million tons of coal in the second quarter of 2013, which represents a 1.3 percent drop from the first quarter of the year. &nbsp;<a href="http://wfpl.org/post/kentuckys-coal-industry-jobs-hit-lowest-point-1927" target="_blank">Read More...</a></span></p><p>Fri, 09 Aug 2013 15:16:10 +0000Erica Peterson48403 at http://weku.fmKentucky's Coal Jobs Hit Lowest Point Since 1927Environmentalists Sue Coal's Financiers In Federal Courthttp://weku.fm/post/environmentalists-sue-coals-financiers-federal-court
<p style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif, Geneva; font-size: 12px; line-height: 15px;">Environmental activists are suing the federal government over the exports of Appalachian&nbsp;<font color="red">coal</font>, saying it approved a $90 million loan guarantee to one company without considering the implications for air and water pollution. The first-of-its-kind lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in San Francisco says communities near mines, ports and railways that connect them are all affected.</p><p>Wed, 31 Jul 2013 21:40:33 +0000Associated Press47960 at http://weku.fmEnvironmentalists Sue Coal's Financiers In Federal CourtMiners Vow to Fight Patriot, Peabody, Archhttp://weku.fm/post/miners-vow-fight-patriot-peabody-arch
<p></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5;">Fiery speeches followed by the peaceful, staged arrests of 15 union supporters highlighted a 90-minute rally in Henderson Tuesday morning by the United Mine Workers of America. Retired coal miners from at least seven states, many of whom arrived in a fleet of approximately 30 charter buses, filled the front lawn of the Henderson County Courthouse to protest the move by bankrupt Patriot Coal Corp. to reduce pension and health care benefits. UMWA spokesman Phil Smith estimated the crowd at about 4,000 people. <a href="http://www.courierpress.com/news/2013/jun/03/umwa-to-rally-at-courthouse-tuesday/" target="_blank">Read more...</a></span></p><p>Wed, 05 Jun 2013 15:26:01 +0000Chuck Stinnett & The Gleaner45284 at http://weku.fmMiners Vow to Fight Patriot, Peabody, ArchSurvey Work Begins on Natural Gas Pipeline across Kentuckyhttp://weku.fm/post/survey-work-begins-natural-gas-pipeline-across-kentucky
<p style="margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; line-height: 22px;">A proposed natural gas pipeline could cross through up to 18 Kentucky counties. The Bluegrass Pipeline would carry natural gas liquids from drilling operations in Pennsylvania to processing plants on the Gulf Coast. These<a href="http://www.brookings.edu/research/reports/2013/04/01-natural-gas-liquids-ebinger-avasarala" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(12, 76, 162);" target="_blank">&nbsp;natural gas liquids—or NGLs</a>—that could travel through the pipe are a byproduct of natural gas drilling, and consist mainly of ethane, propane and butane. They’re common ingredients in products like car bumpers, adhesives and camera lenses. <a href="http://wfpl.org/post/survey-work-begins-week-proposed-natural-gas-pipeline-across-kentucky" target="_blank">Read more...</a></p><p>Mon, 03 Jun 2013 17:33:21 +0000Erica Peterson & Kentucky Public Radio45178 at http://weku.fmSurvey Work Begins on Natural Gas Pipeline across KentuckyJudge Rules Patriot Coal Can Scrap Union Contractshttp://weku.fm/post/judge-rules-patriot-coal-can-scrap-union-contracts
<p style="margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; line-height: 22px;">A&nbsp;<a href="http://www.patriotcaseinfo.com/pdflib/4081_51502.pdf" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(12, 76, 162);" target="_blank">judge has ruled that Patriot Coal can cut health care and pension benefits</a>&nbsp;that were promised to coal miners through collective bargaining agreements with the union. Last summer,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.patriotcoal.com/" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(12, 76, 162);" target="_blank">Patriot Coal&nbsp;</a>filed for bankruptcy. The company is a spinoff that included some<a href="http://www.peabodyenergy.com/" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(12, 76, 162);" target="_blank">&nbsp;Peabody Energy</a>&nbsp;and<a href="http://archcoal.com/" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(12, 76, 162);" target="_blank">Arch</a><a href="http://archcoal.com/" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(12, 76, 162);" target="_blank"> Coal&nbsp;</a>operations in Appalachia, and Patriot said it couldn’t handle the estimated $1.6 billion liability for retiree health care costs it inherited from the other companies. <a href="http://wfpl.org/post/judge-rules-patriot-coal-can-scrap-union-contracts" target="_blank">Read more...</a></p><p>Fri, 31 May 2013 12:47:40 +0000Erica Peterson & Kentucky Public Radio45054 at http://weku.fmJudge Rules Patriot Coal Can Scrap Union ContractsMeeting on Big Sandy closure packs househttp://weku.fm/post/meeting-big-sandy-closure-packs-house
<p></p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5;">Closing the Big Sandy Power plant in Lawrence County would be devastating for area. That's what speaker after speaker said during a Kentucky Public Service Commission public meeting last week at the Lawrence County Community Center. Lawrence </span>Countian<span style="line-height: 1.5;"> Gary Allen asked some provoking questions but did not get answers. But the main question seems to be would you rather pay more for your electricity in order to keep the Big Sandy plant burning coal, or would you rather have cheaper electricity that meets environmental code? &nbsp;</span><a href="http://www.thelevisalazer.com/news/local-news/7487-last-chance-effort-to-speak-out-attended-by-167-citizens" style="line-height: 1.5;">Read more..</a></p><p>Mon, 20 May 2013 20:41:28 +0000Mark Grayson & The Levisa Lazer44518 at http://weku.fmMeeting on Big Sandy closure packs houseOpponent to power rate increases organize Coalitionhttp://weku.fm/post/opponent-power-rate-increases-organize-coalition
<p></p><p style="margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; line-height: 22px;">A coalition of western Kentucky businesses and residents has formed in hopes of minimizing the fallout of an electricity rates deal between Big Rivers Electric Co-Op and western Kentucky aluminum smelters. &nbsp;The coalition is worried the deal will lead to higher utility bills for residents and businesses.&nbsp;</p><p>Fri, 17 May 2013 17:37:35 +0000Kenny Colston44396 at http://weku.fmOpponent to power rate increases organize CoalitionKU warns Customers of Phone Bill Scamhttp://weku.fm/post/ku-warns-customers-phone-bill-scam
<p>Kentucky Utilities Co. is alerting customers of a recent telephone scam asking customers to pay their bills over the phone. The caller claims to be a KU employee and asks for immediate bill payment by credit card or prepaid money card. If the targeted customer does not cooperate, the caller threatens to disconnect the person’s electric service. KU said it will never call and ask for credit or debit card numbers or other personal information. KU has more than a half-million customers across Kentucky.<a href="http://www.courierpress.com/news/2013/may/14/ku-warns-customers-of-phone-bill-scam/"> Read more...</a></p><p>Wed, 15 May 2013 16:27:45 +0000The Gleaner44252 at http://weku.fmShutdown of Coal-fired Power Plant Consideredhttp://weku.fm/post/shutdown-coal-fired-power-plant-considered
<p>FRANKFORT - The Kentucky Public Service Commission will hold a meeting today and teleconferences Wednesday to take public comments on the proposal by Kentucky Power Co. to purchase replacement electric-generating capacity in order to retire the Big Sandy generating facility near Louisa.&nbsp;Both the meeting and the teleconference will begin with a presentation by PSC staff on the regulatory processes governing the case and an overview of the Kentucky Power proposal. &nbsp; <a href="http://www.thelevisalazer.com/news/local-news/7460-reminder-public-meetings-next-week-in-kentucky-power-big-sandy-replacement-power-case-psc-to-take-comments-in-louisa-whitesburg-and-hazard">Read more...</a></p><p>Tue, 14 May 2013 15:55:34 +0000Charles Compton44176 at http://weku.fmNatural Gas Price Hikes in Pikevillehttp://weku.fm/post/natural-gas-price-hikes-pikeville
<p></p><p></p><p>Natural gas rates are going up for 34-hundred customers in Floyd, Magoffin and Pike counties.&nbsp; The state Public Service Commission today okayed an immediate rate hike requested by Kentucky Frontier Gas. &nbsp;<span style="line-height: 1.5;">Kentucky Frontier Gas runs ten, small natural gas distribution systems.&nbsp; The increase is designed to create consistent pricing for natural gas throughout the system. &nbsp;</span></p><p>Tue, 30 Apr 2013 21:00:56 +0000Charles Compton43495 at http://weku.fmAnalyst Explains the U.S. Annual Energy Outlookhttp://weku.fm/post/analyst-explains-us-annual-energy-outlook
<p><a href="http://wfpl.org/post/little-more-gas-little-less-coal-analyst-explains-us-annual-energy-outlook" target="_blank">America’s energy mix in 2040 won’t be drastically different from what it is today:</a> a little less coal and oil, a little more natural gas and renewable energy. That’s according to the U.S. <a href="http://www.eia.gov" target="_blank">Energy Information Administration</a>’s <a href="http://www.eia.gov/forecasts/aeo/er/index.cfm" target="_blank">Annual Energy Outlook. </a>Paul Holtberg—the leader of the EIA’s Analysis Integration Team—was in Louisville last week <a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/133410377/AEO2013-Kentucky-IAEE-Presentation" target="_blank">to give a presentation </a>to the <a href="http://www.wfpl.org/post/local-chapter-aims-make-energy-economics-accessible-everyone" target="_blank">local chapter of the U.S. Association for Energy Economics</a>. Here are a few of the key takeaways from Holtberg’s presentation, and from the early release of the EIA’s annual report:Mon, 01 Apr 2013 20:12:06 +0000Louisville Public Media42113 at http://weku.fmAnalyst Explains the U.S. Annual Energy OutlookEnergy Trends Discussedhttp://weku.fm/post/energy-trends-discussed
<p>The mix of energy sources used in Kentucky is expected to diversify over the next decade.&nbsp; Still, an expert on America’s oil and gas industry argues green energy has its limits.&nbsp; Bernard Weinstein with the Dallas-based Maguire Energy Institute told Lexington Rotarians these energy sources rely too heavily on government subsidies.<em>&nbsp; “I’m in favor of everything, but I think all energy resources need to be put to the market test.&nbsp; My gripe with renewables, if you want to call it that, is that we’ve been subsidizing them for 20 years, and they’re still not able to stand on their own,” said Weinstein.</em>Fri, 18 Jan 2013 20:13:32 +0000Stu Johnson38572 at http://weku.fmElectric Vehicles Rolling Outhttp://weku.fm/post/electric-vehicles-rolling-out
<p>Lexington has just added an electric car to its fleet.&nbsp; Also receiving electric vehicles are Louisville, several state agencies and the University of Louisville.&nbsp; Lexington administrative officer Tracy Thurman says the Chevy Volt is going to the parks department.<em>&nbsp; “Parks is involved in so many public opportunities to showcase this vehicle and actually have it utilized across Fayette County and to get the exposure for electric vehicles and a greater understanding of how they work and how they could benefit our community,” said Thurman.</em>Wed, 16 Jan 2013 21:55:56 +0000Stu Johnson38475 at http://weku.fmKentucky Utilities to Pay Millions for Alleged Clean Air Act Violationshttp://weku.fm/post/kentucky-utilities-pay-millions-alleged-clean-air-act-violations
<p><a href="http://wfpl.org/post/kentucky-utilities-pay-millions-alleged-clean-air-act-violations" target="_blank">Kentucky Utilities will spend</a> $57 million to install updated pollution control equipment and pay civil penalties under the terms of a proposed consent decree. The money will go to installing a sulfuric acid mist emission control system at the company’s Ghent power plant, replace a coal-fired boiler and pay $300,000 in fines to the Environmental Protection Agency.Wed, 02 Jan 2013 22:49:29 +0000Erica Peterson & WFPL News37869 at http://weku.fmKentucky Utilities to Pay Millions for Alleged Clean Air Act ViolationsTVA Settlement Funds Energy Efficiency Projectshttp://weku.fm/post/tva-settlement-funds-energy-efficiency-projects
<p><a href="http://wfpl.org/post/tva-settlement-funds-13-energy-efficiency-projects" target="_blank">Thirteen Kentucky organizations </a>will receive grant funding next year under a settlement between the Tennessee Valley Authority and the Environmental Protection Agency for alleged violations of the Clean Air Act. The TVA settlement money is meant to go to environmental mitigation projects in the TVA service area. Greg Guess is the director of Kentucky’s Division of Efficiency and Conservation. He says the energy savings that the grant money will facilitate are significant. A portion of the money will go to Fayette County Public Schools to track energy consumption on a real-time basis.Mon, 24 Dec 2012 16:04:12 +0000Erica Peterson & WFPL News37513 at http://weku.fmRegulators Approve Lower Rate Hike for KUhttp://weku.fm/post/regulators-approve-lower-rate-hike-ku
<p><a href="http://www.courierpress.com/news/2012/dec/21/regulators-approve-lower-rate-hike-for-ku/" target="_blank">State regulators on Thursday</a> accepted a settlement that will allow Kentucky Utilities Co. to raise its electric rates. Under the settlement agreement, the average monthly bill for a typical KU residential customer will increase by $5.16 or 5.6 percent, according to the Kentucky Public Service Commission.Fri, 21 Dec 2012 14:39:19 +0000Chuck Stinnett & The Gleaner & Chuck Stinnett37426 at http://weku.fmEnergy Agency Predicts Coal's Short-Term Prospects are Bright Internationallyhttp://weku.fm/post/energy-agency-predicts-coals-short-term-prospects-are-bright-internationally
<p><a href="http://wfpl.org/post/energy-agency-predicts-coals-short-term-prospects-are-bright-internationally" target="_blank">In the United States,</a> recent data has shown that coal is losing ground, and <a href="http://wfpl.org/post/eia-data-shows-natural-gas-coal-generation-equal-first-time" target="_blank">is now neck in neck </a>with natural gas in terms of the percentage of electricity generation the country gets from each fuel. Coal use is <a href="http://www.wfpl.org/post/data-shows-gas-catching-coal-even-southeast" target="_blank">even diminishing in the southeast</a>, a region that's typically relied on coal-fired power. But that's not indicative of what's happening worldwide, and new research shows coal could even surpass oil as the world's top energy source by 2017.Tue, 18 Dec 2012 21:28:06 +0000Erica Peterson & WFPL News37288 at http://weku.fmEnergy Agency Predicts Coal's Short-Term Prospects are Bright Internationally